Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of Mucuna pruriens Accessions: Insights into Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

This study investigates the comparative phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activities of different 
accessions of Mucuna pruriens, a leguminous plant renowned for its medicinal properties. The 
phytochemical composition of each accession was analyzed to identify bioactive compounds such as 
alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activities were evaluated 
using two distinct assays: the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, which 
measures the ability to neutralize free radicals, and the nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay, which assesses 
the capacity to inhibit nitric oxide production, a mediator of oxidative stress. The results demonstrated 
significant variations in both phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity across the different 
accessions. Some accessions exhibited higher concentrations of flavonoids and phenolics, which correlated 
with stronger antioxidant potential. These findings suggest that the genetic diversity among accessions of 
Mucuna pruriens plays a crucial role in determining their phytochemical richness and antioxidant efficacy